Randon Acts of Romance

Chapter Eight

 

Buffy walks into the kitchen smiling.

Joyce: Well good morning. You seem rather chipper.

Buffy: I am. It is a beautiful day.

Joyce: Well imagine that and on your birthday too. What a coincidence.

Buffy just smiles bigger.

Joyce: So how does it feel to be eighteen?

Buffy: I am feeling so much older. I am actually legal. I can vote.

Joyce: And you look so mature.

Buffy: I do?

Joyce: Buffy, you are legally an adult but I hope you don’t just jump into all the adult stuff too quickly.

Buffy frowns.

Joyce: I just mean.

Buffy: We are not having sex. We are not planning on having sex. He has not even asked me to. Okay?

Joyce: I just want what is best.

Buffy: I know and I’ll tell you what. When and if we ever decide to do it, I promise I will tell you.

Joyce: Will I get a chance to talk you out of it?

Buffy: Probably not.

Joyce looks down into her coffee.

Joyce: You better hurry or you will be late for school.

Buffy: Angel is giving me a ride, remember. He does not start classes until next week.

Joyce: Well he better hurry.

They both turn as they hear the sound of his car pulling in.

Buffy: Right on time.

She grabs her coat and books and rushes out the door. Joyce watches from the window as they quickly kiss before he pulls out and away. She again begins to mull over in her brain her most recent decision.

 

In the car

Buffy sits smiling.

Angel: You seem extremely happy.

Buffy: I am. Nothing can mar this day.

Angel: It better not. Nothing but the best for my girl.

He reaches over and takes her hand and brings it to his lips.

He maneuvers the car in front of the school. They lean over and kiss gently.

Angel: All pick you up at three.

Buffy: Can you make it 4:30? Willow is going to help me with my science paper after classes.

Angel: Sure. Call me if you need more time.

Buffy: I will. Love ya.

Angel: I love you too. Now you better go before you are late.

They kiss again before she exits the mustang. She walks past Harmony and Aphrodesia on her way in.

Harmony: I still do not see what he sees in her. Not when he could be with me.

Aphrodesia: Maybe Cordelia got all the smarts in that family.

Harmony: That must be it.

 

 

Early Evening

Buffy sits on her bed listening to the sounds downstairs. She can not believe she has been relegated up here alone while her Mom, Angel, and Willow prepare for the party. It is not like it is a surprise or anything. But they insisted she not help. She is going stir crazy as she hears the muffled voices and footsteps. The doorbell makes her jump and she is tempted to look outside but remembers her promises.

Buffy: Grrr Argh. This is madness.

She flops back on the bed and grabs her favorite stuffed pig to her chest. She stares at the ceiling and begins thinking about the man downstairs. She fingers the silver locket and smiles.

Buffy: Anytime now guys.

Downstairs, Angel ties the last of the balloons to the ceiling fan when the phone rings. Joyce grabs it as she darts from the dining room back into the kitchen. She stops and gets an angry look on her face as she listens to the caller. Angel walks in and looks concerned at her pursed lips and flashing eyes.

Joyce: I’ll tell her. Bye.

She hangs up and glances at Angel.

Angel: Bad news?

Joyce: No, just Hank bailing again. He is too busy to be bothered with his only child’s eighteenth birthday.

Angel: She is going to be disappointed.

Joyce: I know. He promises to make it up but I won’t hold my breath.

Angel: Is there something I can do?

Joyce: No. You are doing plenty.

Angel: Well let me see if Willow and Oz need help.

He moves into the dining area.

Willow: Thank god. Come here tall one.

Angel smiles and takes the cluster of streamers and attaches them to the ceiling for her.

Angel: Anything else?

Willow: Nope. That does it.

They turn as the door bell rings again.

Willow: Why don’t I go upstairs and check on the birthday girl and make sure she is behaving.

Angel: Good idea.

Willow darts upstairs and lightly knocks before entering the dark room. Buffy immediately sits up.

Buffy: Can I come down now?

Willow: Not quite yet but soon.

Buffy: What is this some new sort of torture designed just for Buffy?

Willow: You got it. We plotted all this just to make you insane. Is it working?

Buffy giggles.

Buffy: Extremely well.

Willow sits beside her.

Buffy: So what is going on down there?

Willow: You have to wait and see?

Buffy: Well is my dad here yet?

Willow: No, not yet.

Buffy: Good, cause I am nervous about him meeting Angel.

Willow: Oh yeah. Dads are not usually into their little girls dating. Especially when the guy is a senior in college.

Buffy: I know. I tried to tell him about Angel when I was there at Christmas time but he was too busy.

Willow: Your mom hasn’t told him?

Buffy: No. I get the pleasure. Well actually I told Mom I wanted to cause I did not want him to have a reason to argue with her.

Willow: Oh. Well I told my mom about Oz. I think she was more excited I was dating than I am. Which is really weird seeing she always says woman should not be judged by a man in their life.

Buffy: So has she met him?

Willow: Not yet. Tomorrow night he is suppose to come to dinner.

Buffy: What has your dad said?

Willow: Nothing. But he never does.

Buffy: Is that good or bad?

Willow: Both.

Buffy: Well I just hope my dad does not start yelling.

Willow: You think he will.

Buffy: No. Well not while everyone is here but afterwards may be a different story.

Willow: Eww…..well maybe he will surprise you. Your mom really seems to like Angel

Buffy: Yeah. As long as we play by the rules.

Willow: Oh.

Buffy: She is so worried we are going to make love.

Willow: Are you?

Buffy: No. Well no time soon at least.

Willow: He doesn’t want to.

Buffy: He has never really said. I think he is waiting until I’m ready. Which before you ask, I’m not.

Willow: He is so cool.

Buffy: The coolest.

She looks at the clock.

Buffy: How long will I be stuck up here?

There is a gentle knock on the door.

Buffy: Come in.

The door opens and Angel hesitantly sticks his head in.

Buffy: Angel, what are you doing up here. Mom will have a fit.

Angel: She told me to come get you two.

Buffy bounds off the bed.

Buffy: About time.

He wraps his arms around her waist and stops her in the hallway. She tips her head and offers her lips.

Willow: Uh guys.

Buffy: Hey, I have to steal my smoochies when I can.

Angel takes her hand and they head downstairs. She stops and stares at the festoon of balloons and streamers adorning the living room and dining room.

Buffy: Good Lord. Look at this place.

She walks into the living room and glances around at the guests. Her mom comes out of the kitchen smiling.

Joyce: There are drinks and food in the dining room. Help yourselves and let me know if you need anything.

As Joyce moves back to the kitchen, Buffy follows.

Buffy: Mom, this is wonderful.

Joyce: You’re welcome sweety. Now go enjoy yourself.

Buffy: Uh Mom, when is Dad getting here.

Joyce: Buffy, he’s not. He called and something came up. He said he will call you later and make plans to do something.

Buffy: Oh.

She turns to leave.

Joyce: Buffy, you know how busy he is.

Buffy: Yeah, I know.

She stalks over to Angel and he wraps his arm around her waist.

Buffy: My dad’s not coming.

Angel: I know. But maybe you can go to LA and see him.

Buffy: Maybe. But I would rather spend my weekends here with you.

Angel: I know, but you do need to see him.

Buffy: Why? He seems fine if I don’t.

Angel: Buffy.

Buffy: Listen, let’s save this for later. It is my birthday and I am going to have fun.

Angel: Then fun you will have.

He sweeps her around to face him and begins swaying to the soft music from the stereo. She wraps her arms around his neck and they seem lost in each others eyes. He smiles at her, oblivious to the others around them.

Willow glances over as she listens to Cordelia.

Cordelia: And my father said that every young lady should have a strand of pearls. He said this is just like the one he bought my mother when they got married.

Willow: It is very lovely. Your father must love you a lot.

Cordelia: He does. He always makes sure I have the best there is.

Willow: Well you are lucky. Excuse me I think we need more ice.

Willow grabs the ice bucket and heads to the kitchen. Cordelia smiles and walks towards Theresa and Larry.

Cordelia: Hey. Kinda lame isn’t it?

Theresa: I think it’s okay. I mean Buffy seems to be having a good time.

They glance over at the couple still slow dancing.

Cordelia: I guess. My father wanted to throw me a party for my birthday last week but my mother suggested a shopping trip to LA instead.

Theresa: Did you have fun?

Cordelia: Definitely. My mother knows all the best places. Then we had dinner at Chasums before coming home.

Theresa: Did your dad go?

Cordelia: No. Just us girls. But look at what my father gave me.

She holds out the strand of pearls.

Theresa: Nice.

Cordelia: He said that every young lady should have a strand of pearls. He said this is just like the one he bought my mother when they got married.

Theresa: Very pretty.

The music stops and everyone looks around.

Willow: Sorry guys but if Buffy can extract herself from Angel, she can open presents.

Buffy: Presents? Move Angel.

She pushes him playfully.

Angel: Hey.

Everyone laughs loudly.

She smiles at him and he smiles back before taking her hand and leading her to the sofa. Everyone sits down and watches as she unwraps the first package. Cordelia wanders around as everyone watches Buffy. She picks up a piece of carrot before standing next to Joyce.

Cordelia: Where’s her dad?

Joyce: Oh he couldn’t make it.

Cordelia: Work?

Joyce: That’s right.

Cordelia: Oh. Well look what my father gave me last week for my birthday.

Joyce: Oh that is lovely my dear.

Cordelia: My father said that every young lady should have a strand of pearls. He said this is just like the one he bought my mother when they got married. She has other ones but she still has that first strand. She wears it all the time. Do you have any?

Joyce: Actually I do. Hank bought it for Christmas, a few years ago.

Cordelia: Every lady should have them.

Joyce: I guess. Can you excuse me? I think Buffy needs something for all that wrapping paper.

Cordelia leans against the wall fingering her pearls and watching as Buffy unwraps more CDs. She sighs in boredom as everyone else strains to see the gifts. Buffy hands her mom a handful of ripped paper and ribbon and looks around.

Buffy: I think that is it. Thank you everyone.

Angel: Not so fast.

Buffy: Oh. Did I miss yours?

Angel: Yes. But first this is from my dad.

Buffy: But I already opened the ones from you mom.

Angel: Well Dad sent one too.

He hands her the robin egg blue box tied with a shiny white ribbon.

Buffy: What?

Joyce: My heavens.

Angel glances up at Joyce before back to his girlfriend. Buffy carefully unties the ribbon and hands it to Willow.

Buffy: Keep that please.

She slowly opens the box as everyone watches. She slowly extracts the perfect strand of pearls. A small card falls into her lap. She picks it up and reads it.

Willow: What does it say?

Buffy: Buffy, every young lady should have a strand of pearls. Love, Carter and Clarissa

Willow: Wow.

Cordelia stands staring at the pearls dripping from Buffy’s fingers.

Joyce: Angel, that is too expensive.

Angel: Mrs. Summers, my dad told me to tell you that it was something he really wanted to do and he hoped you would allow him this pleasure.

Joyce: Well I just don’t know.

Angel: He said if you say no he will just hold on to them until you feel she is ready.

Buffy: Mom.

Joyce: Buffy, I would just hate for them to damaged.

Buffy: I can put them with yours and only wear them for special occasions. It’s not like I want to replace my locket.

Joyce: Buffy, why don’t you call Mr. Chase in the morning and thank him.

Buffy: Really?

Joyce nods. Everyone else begins wandering around and someone turns the music back on. Buffy lowers the pearls back in the box and slowly closes it.

Angel: You don’t want to wear them tonight?

Buffy: No. I want to save them for a special occasion.

Angel: Oh, okay. Well then we will have to see if we can make a special occasion.

Buffy smiles.

Angel: Now I can not beat my dad’s pearls but do you want my present?

Buffy: Yes. Of course I do.

Angel: Well you have to come with me.

He takes her hand and leads her to the kitchen. She stops him and hands her box of pearls to her mom.

Angel: This way.

He opens the backdoor and she steps out. She stops and stares and then throws her arms around his neck.

Angel: Now of course one is mine.

Buffy: I know.

She walks closer and examines the matching man’s and ladies all terrain bikes. She fingers the matching helmets hanging from the handle bar.

Buffy: This is perfect.

Angel: I know we have talked about riding and well they will be good for campus next year too.

Buffy turns and hugs him. Their lips meet in a soft kiss.

Buffy: So when do we give them a try.

Angel: I’m free tomorrow.

Buffy: Me too.

Angel: Then it’s a date.

Buffy: A date.

Joyce: Maybe you can pack a picnic.

Buffy and Angel glance up to see her in the doorway.

Buffy: Angel?

Angel: Sounds good.

They move back inside holding hands. Willow walks in the kitchen.

Willow: We better go ahead and cut the cake before Xander and Larry just grab forks.

Buffy laughs.

Joyce: Okay.

They head into the dining room and Willow turns out the lights as Angel lights the candles.

Buffy: Is that actually eighteen candles?

Willow: Yep. Counted them twice myself.

Buffy: Angel, hurry before we set off the smoke detectors.

Angel stands back and Buffy closes her eyes as everyone begins singing. She takes a deep breath and struggling blows every last one out. The group applauds in approval.

Joyce: Buffy, you can cut the cake. Angel, will you help me with the ice cream.

Angel: Sure.

He hands Buffy the knife and walks out. He enters the kitchen a helps Joyce take out the cartons of frozen desert. She hands him a scoop and they begin filling the bowls.

Joyce: Angel, I want to talk to you.

Angel: Of course. About the pearls?

Joyce: No. I am fine with the gift even though it is a bit extravagant but probably not for your father. I know Buffy loves them. Not sure if your sister is too happy about it.

Angel: Cordelia?

Joyce: He gave her the same present and I think she was hurt by that.

Angel: Oh. I’ll talk to her later.

Joyce: But that is not why I wanted to talk to you either. I have been doing some thinking about you and Buffy.

Angel: Oh.

Joyce: I was nervous when she first told me about you but I decided to give you the benefit of the doubt. I know I set some very strict guidelines but you never once stepped over the line. I want you to know I was surprised. I figured that after a month you would be gone or trying to bend if not break the rules.

Angel: Why? I wanted to be with Buffy. She is what matters.

Joyce: I can see that. So I have been thinking. She is eighteen now and in California she is a legal adult.

Angel: If you are asking me if I intend to pursue more adult activities, the answer is no. Not now. We’re not ready.

Joyce: You believe that?

Angel: Yes. Joyce, I have been there. I know what is involved in a sexual relationship and we’re not ready for all that goes with one.

Joyce: Oh.

Angel: I love Buffy and I do not want to mess this up. And in my experience sex can get in the way.

Joyce: That is a surprisingly mature attitude.

Angel: I intend on making this work.

Joyce: I think I’m getting that.

Angel: Well you want to take the ice cream out before the natives get restless.

Joyce: In a minute. I am glad you said what you did because I brought you in here to let you know that I was willing to be more relaxed in my rules.

Angel: You are?

Joyce: Yes. I have not spoken to Buffy but I am no longer restricting you to home only dates. You can take her out both Friday and Saturday. I am also more willing to be flexible on the curfew depending on your plans. But there will be no fraternity parties.

Angel: I moved out of the frat house.

Joyce: You did? I’m glad to hear that.

Angel: After what happened to Faith I couldn’t go back there. Oz is moving out too as soon as he finds a cheap room to rent.

Joyce: Glad to hear that too. He seems to be a very sweet young man.

Angel: I am glad you think so. Let me take these bowls in there. But I want to talk to you about something.

He grabs the tray of bowls and head into the dining room. Willow helps him pass them out.

Buffy: Angel, come sit down and eat your cake.

Angel: One minute, sweetheart.

He walks back to the kitchen as Xander makes fun of his endearment.

Willow: Xander, shut up.

Angel sits back on the bar stool and looks at Joyce.

Joyce: You look serious.

Angel: I am. I have been thinking about something for awhile and was not sure if I should even bring it up but I decided to at least ask.

Joyce: I am not going to like this.

Angel: I’m not sure. There is a hotel in LA, The Carmichael.

Joyce: I know it.

Angel: Well you may know that every Valentine’s Day they have a big celebration. It starts with dinner and a play. Then they bring in a band or small orchestra for dancing.

Joyce: Never heard about that.

Angel: Well my parents have gone before and seem to enjoy it. It is suppose to be well done.

Joyce: But the problem is that it is in LA.

Angel: And they don’t start until nine. The dinner is served during the play and ends between eleven and twelve. Then the dancing is from twelve to two.

Joyce: I see.

Angel: I was telling Oz about it and we would love to take the girls but it will be an extremely long night. If we leave at two we won’t make it back until after four in the morning.

Joyce: And you will be tired trying to drive back.

Angel: Which is why it would be better to get rooms. One for Oz and I and one for the girls.

He looks at Joyce’s furrowed brow.

Angel: I’m sorry. I should have canned the idea already.

Joyce: What if I said you could go if I chaperone?

Angel: Then I get five tickets and make the girls room a suite.

Joyce: You would do that?

Angel: Mrs. Summers, this is not about getting out of town with Buffy. This is about taking her to a wonderful place for Valentine’s Day. It just sounded more fun than dinner and the Bronze.

Joyce: Let me talk to Willow’s mom, Sheila and see how she feels.

Angel: Really?

Joyce: No promises.

They both look up to see Buffy walk in.

Buffy: Which one is going to tell me what is going on and why you are conspiring in the kitchen during my birthday party?

Angel: No conspiracy. Your mom was just telling me that she is relaxing the rules a little.

Buffy: Really?

Joyce: Really. Now go party and we can talk about it in the morning.

Angel gets up and wraps his arm around her waist and leads her back to the party.

 

 

 

Chapters:
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7]
[8]
[9]
[10]